This is a zine dedicated to black metal written by a follower of the left hand path, This zine has been around in a different format for a while and I have decided to make an edition for www.blogger.com, for more information email occultblackmetalzine@yahoo.com, new albums as well as classic albums will be reviewed on here as long as their good quality black metal,

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Valle Crucis Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band? We are a black metal band based out of South Carolina. We began in May of 2016 after both Ashriel and I stepped away from our previous music projects. There's not much to say about us other than we're a couple of hateful people that like black metal and enjoy making music.

2.So far you have released an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording? The sound can be described as raw with some melodic tendencies. We've gotten compared to bands such as Marduk, Mork Gryning, & Bathory

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music? A lot of the lyrics are of anti-religion (encompassing Christianity, Judaism & Islam), hate & history (coming with future songs).

4.I know that the bands name comes from the legend of the demon dog of Valle Crucis or North Carolina, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play? We have a song on the ep that is based around the legend. The name came out from liking to have names with some meaning. I don't like to just have a random name for something, like "this sounds cool/kvlt, let's name it that". I also wanted something that was, at least, somewhat local or in the area to be named after or about. A hellhound running amuck on church grounds is pretty cool, plus the actual Latin pronunciation is aweseome, though we combine the latin pronunciation and the way the town pronounces it to create the band name (Vah-lee Crew-sis) (first part is the latin, 2nd is the southern pronunciation)So, in a sense, it gives the feel of black metal with a demonic presence in a religious establishment.
5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding your line up or do you prefer to remain a duo? We are trying out a bassist currently. Beyond that, there will likely be no other members added. We find that with less people, the easier it is to work together

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance? Our highlight show so far has been with Nordjevel & Imperial Triumphant back in May. We have several more dates coming soon including 3 fest appearances and a show with a major name in the genre.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future? No touring plans but our show schedule includes, Carolina Decimation, Communion of Darkness V, Opening for a national tour in our home venue & Wrath of the Goat VI

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest? We have received some interest, but have not signed yet. We are searching for a label and weighing options when offered anything

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?We've had very good feedback on our music so far. I haven't heard anything negative from anyone who has heard our music.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of? Currently this band is the only one Ashriel & I (Skullcrusher) are active with. I'm formerly of Engulfed in Blackness from Tennessee & Ashriel is formerly of several bands including Adimiron Sphere & IV Nevermore. We do have a couple of projects we have been in talks with but to this date haven't done much with as of yet.

11.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future? We are currently writing for a full length release. We plan to head back to the studio in early 2018.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays? Our influences are Marduk, Dark Funeral, Sargeist, early Satyricon, Merrimack, Emperor, Behexen, among a few others.We listen to a whole lot of black metal ranging from well known to really underground. We also dig into our local scene past and present for some great music.

13.Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?Niether really play a role. There is one concept of Lucifer we are considering for a future song. Other than that, we have atheist views which is what is relflected in the music. Some may take it as Satanic, but blasphemy doesn't necessarily have to have a satanic connotation.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?We just want to say thank you to everyone in our scene, to those that stand with us & support us. If any of you haven't checked out our music then you probably ought to!Thanks for taking the time to write us!